Few animation studios have matched the cultural and artistic impact of Studio Ghibli. The studio was founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki. It quickly became a powerhouse for hand-drawn animations and became widely celebrated for its fantastical worlds, intricate depth, and imaginative storytelling. Each film embodies the studio’s unmistakable style and attention to detail.
Over the decades, Studio Ghibli has developed a distinct identity that sets it apart from other major animation studios. While grounded in Japanese culture and tradition, its themes are universal. Environmentalism, coming-of-age, resilience, and the bittersweet nature of change resonate across generations. The studio’s influence extends to artists, filmmakers, and audiences worldwide, with each film serving as a testament to animation's ability to entertain and connect with viewers.
10 When Marnie Was There
Released in 2014, Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
When Marnie Was There
- Release Date
- July 19, 2014
- Runtime
- 103 Minutes
- Director
- Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Writers
- Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Joan G. Robinson, Keiko Niwa, Masashi Andō
WHERE TO WATCH
Set against the quiet marches of rural Hokkaido, When Marnie Was There is a story that follows Anna, a young girl sent to the countryside to recover her health. While there, she comes across a mysterious abandoned mansion and meets Marnie, a blonde girl who exists just beyond the edges of reality. As their bond deepens, so too does the mystery surrounding Marnie’s identity.
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The film delves into themes of memory, grief, and self-acceptance, gradually building with powerful emotional undercurrents and subtle tension. Audiences and critics alike were captivated by the haunting atmosphere and emotionally charged storytelling. The animation is understated yet breathtaking, reflecting the quiet, melancholic tone of the narrative, earning it critical acclaim and resonating with fans, achieving a strong 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
9 Princess Mononoke
Released in 1997, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
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Set in a mythic version of Japan’s Muromachi period, Princess Mononoke follows Ashitaka, a young warrior who has been cursed by a demon while trying to save his village. His journey to find a cure leads him into the heart of a brutal conflict between the gods of the forest and the forces of industrialization. There, he meets San, a fierce, wolf-raised girl known as Princess Mononoke. Torn between the sides, Ashitaka aims to find balance in a world that is spiraling into chaos.
With a strong score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, Princess Mononoke is one of Studio Ghibli’s most ambitious and mature works. Its themes of environmentalism and complex characters allow the film to resonate strongly with fans. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutality of conflict while also offering moments of beauty and hope.
8 My Neighbor Totoro
Released in 1988, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
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My Neighbor Totoro is set in a postwar rural Japan and centers on two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father while their mother recovers from illness. As they explore their new home and the surrounding forest, they encounter magical creatures and discover the forest spirit Totoro. The film dives into themes of imagination, family, and nature.
With its gentle pacing and timeless charm, My Neighbor Totoro has become the face of Studio Ghibli for audiences around the world. With a glowing 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film transcends its status as a childhood classic, as its universal themes resonate with the hearts of audiences worldwide. Beloved for its warmth and whimsical charm, My Neighbor Totoro has earned its place as a cultural icon.
7 The Secret World of Arrietty
Released in 2010, Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi
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The Secret World of Arrietty
- Release Date
- February 17, 2012
- Runtime
- 94 Minutes
WHERE TO WATCH
Inspired by Mary Norton’s 1952 novel The Borrowers, The Secret World of Arrietty follows the titular character, Arrietty, a tiny “Borrower” who lives with her family beneath the floorboards of a human house. They survive by borrowing only what they need from the humans to remain unnoticed. However, when Arrietty is spotted by a sickly boy named Shō, they form an unlikely friendship.
The English dub of the film changes Shō’s name to Shawn.
With a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Secret World of Arrietty captivated audiences with its vibrant visuals and intriguing narrative. The film explores themes of fragility through health, trust, and life itself. Although it may not have the same grandeur as Ghibli’s more fantastical works, its grounded story is beautiful and emotionally driven, making it one of the best films in their catalog.
6 The Boy and the Heron
Released in 2023, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
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The Boy and the Heron
- Release Date
- July 14, 2023
- Runtime
- 124 Minutes
WHERE TO WATCH
In the wake of his mother’s death, a young boy named Mahito relocates to the countryside, where he is drawn into a mysterious tower and an otherworldly realm guided by a cryptic, talking heron. What follows is a surreal journey that blends grief, memory, and imagination in ways that offer no easy explanation. As one of Studio Ghibli’s most abstract films, the lines between fantasy and reality blur, pulling audiences through dreamlike landscapes.
Fans and critics alike praise the film for its bold, uncompromising narrative and stellar visuals.
With a high rating of 96%, The Boy and the Heron marks a powerful return for director Hayao Miyazaki. Mahito’s story resonates deeply with fans across the globe, as they fall in love with the ambiguous storyline. Fans and critics alike praise the film for its bold, uncompromising narrative and stellar visuals. Its take on loss and legacy cements the film as one of the studio’s best creations to date.
5 Spirited Away
Released in 2001, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
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Spirited Away
- Release Date
- July 20, 2001
- Runtime
- 125 minutes
WHERE TO WATCH
Spirited Away follows ten-year-old Chihiro as she stumbles into a fantastical spirit world after her parents are transformed into pigs. She begins working at a bathhouse for spirits, run by the witch Yubaba, after losing her name, and must find a way to navigate this world to reclaim her identity and rescue her family. What starts as a tale of survival evolves into a layered coming-of-age story filled with danger, mystery, and wonder.
Spirited Away is widely regarded as Studio Ghibli’s crown jewel, holding a score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. It was the first anime film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. Fans remain captivated by its imaginative world, unforgettable characters, and emotional and thematic depth, which includes self-discovery, consumerism and capitalism, and environmentalism.
4 Kiki's Delivery Service
Released in 1989, Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
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Kiki's Delivery Service
- Release Date
- July 29, 1989
- Runtime
- 103 Minutes
WHERE TO WATCH
Kiki’s Delivery Service follows the charming tale of a young witch named Kiki who leaves home to spend a year on her own in a seaside town. With only her broomstick and determination, she sets off to establish a delivery service where she encounters challenges related to independence, friendship, and finding her own place in the world. The film beautifully reflects the bittersweet nature of growing up through Kiki’s uplifting adventures.
With an impressive 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, stands out as one of Ghibli’s most beloved films. It’s warm, relatable, and exudes a joyful energy that makes it a fan favorite among both children and adults alike. The animation is vibrant and captures Kiki’s youthful optimism as well as the bustling seaside town she learns to navigate. The film is inspiring with themes of courage, self-confidence, and independence.
3 Grave of the Fireflies
Released in 1988, Directed by Isao Takahata
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Grave of the Fireflies
- Release Date
- April 16, 1988
- Runtime
- 89 Mins
WHERE TO WATCH
Grave of the Fireflies tells the devastating story of siblings Seita and Setsuko as they struggle to survive in Japan during the final months of World War II. After losing their home and family, the two children face hunger, isolation, and the harsh realities of the aftermath of war. The film’s emotional exploration of lost innocence and the cost of war unfolds through the eyes of those who are most vulnerable.
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Earning a perfect 100% rating, Grave of the Fireflies is widely regarded as one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made, animated or otherwise. The film is based on the semi-autobiographical narrative by Japanese author Akiyuki Nosaka, making it even more personal and heart-wrenching. The realism and heartbreaking narrative serve as a strong testament, connecting with audiences and providing a sobering reminder of the devastating toll of war.
2 Only Yesterday
Released in 1991, Directed by Isao Takahata
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Only Yesterday follows Taeko, a 27-year-old woman from Tokyo who takes a trip to the countryside, prompting a series of flashbacks to her childhood in the 1960s. As she reflects on her past, Taeko confronts the hopes, fears, and memories that have shaped her identity. The film explores themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the contrast between childhood innocence and the realities of adult life.
With a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Only Yesterday is celebrated for its mature storytelling and emotional depth. Unlike many of Ghibli’s films that focus on fantasy, this one is grounded in everyday life, offering a softer, more introspective experience. Its richly detailed animation and heartfelt storyline make it a beautiful exploration of growing up and finding belonging.
1 The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Released in 2013, Directed by Isao Takahata
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The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
- Release Date
- November 23, 2013
- Runtime
- 137 minutes
WHERE TO WATCH
Based on a classic Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya tells the story of a mysterious girl discovered inside a bamboo stalk who grows into a beautiful young woman. She challenges her suitors to perform a series of nearly impossible tasks to prove their love for her. However, the story truly shines in its exploration of a life filled with luxury and expectations, as Princess Kaguya longs for freedom.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya received a perfect 100% rating and is widely celebrated for its emotional depth and artistry. The masterful storytelling delves into powerful universal themes of identity, impermanence, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations. The film stands out as one of Studio Ghibli’s most visually bold and emotionally impactful works, leaving an unforgettable impression on fans and critics alike.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
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